Antimicrobial composition comprising soy oil, rice bran oil and jojoba oil

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention, including a treatment for cuticles or other skin tissue comprising a mixture of soy oil, rice bran oil, jojoba oil, and an effective amount an antifungal/antimicrobial agent is disclosed. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a treatment for cuticles or other skin tissue comprising a mixture of soy oil, rice bran oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, primrose oil, juniper oil, grapefruit oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil with an effective amount of an antifungal/antimicrobial agent is described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a composition that can be applied to human skinand nails, e.g., to the cuticles of fingernails and toenails comprisinga broad spectrum antifungal/antimicrobial agent.

BACKGROUND

Various kinds of compositions for nail application are known, includingnail polishes, nail polish removers, nail oil emulsions, cuticletreatments, among others. These compositions range from the purelycosmetic to the primarily medicinal. Oil-containing compositions havebeen identified as nail and cuticle conditioners or softeners. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 2,765,257 discloses that sulfonated mineral oilacts as an effective cuticle softener, while sulfonated animal andvegetable oils are not effective. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,609discloses that soaking fingertips in a hot, aqueous emulsion ofvegetable and animal oils moisturize, smooth and soften the surface ofthe nails and the tissue surrounding the nails.

The use of cuticle oil treatments has increased with the growth inpopularity of artificial nails and nail sculpturing. The sequential useof oil compositions for nail and cuticle conditioning with theapplication of artificial nails creates a conducive environment forfungi and bacterial growth around nails because these treatments enhancemoisture retention in nails. Consequently, nail sculpturing and applyingartificial nails are accompanied by an increase in the incidence offungal and bacterial infestations and/or infections in nails andsurrounding tissue.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,382,151 describes an aqueous-based,formaldehyde-containing composition which can be applied to fingernailsto prevent cracking and splitting. The composition of U.S. Pat. No.3,382,151 possesses aseptic properties, healing inflammation of the nailmatrix and killing nail-infested fungi. Treating fungal and bacterialnail infestations and infections with an aqueous-basedformaldehyde-containing composition is not completely satisfactory.Repeated use of such compositions, while potentially remedying thefungus infection, oftentimes harms the nails or contiguous area of theskin due to the formaldehyde.

U.S. Pat. RE 36,253 describes a nail and cuticle conditioningcomposition containing jojoba oil and tolnaftate. The tolnaftatereportedly confers anti-fungal properties to this composition.

Dyer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,549, teaches including an antimicrobial agentin a nail care composition. Specifically, Dyer discloses the inclusionof certain benzyl alkonium chlorides and phenols such as resorcinols andcresols in the range of 0.5 percent by weight to about 5 percent byweight.

Sun, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,875 disclose a topical compositionfor treating human nail and skin diseases including fungal infections,bacterial infections, and psoriasis. The composition is comprised of atleast one active agent, at least one acidifier, and at least onevolatile solvent. One active agent may be triclosan, preferredacidifiers are 10% HCl or 37% HCl, and preferred volatile soventsinclude ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and butylacetate.

However, the use of toxic or harsh chemicals, such as formaldehyde andacids, can be detrimental to the nail and the surrounding tissue. Thus,it is an object of the present invention to provide a nail oilcomposition which provides a safe and effective remedy for, orprevention against, fungal and bacterial infestation or infection innails and surrounding tissue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composition according to the present invention comprises a mixture ofsoy oil, rice bran oil, jojoba oil, and an effective amount of a broadspectrum antibacterial/antimicrobial agent. The preferableantifungal/antimicrobial agent is2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl-ether, generically referred to astriclosan and sold in the United States under the trade name IrgasanDP-300 by Ciba Specialty Chemicals. A presently preferred compositionfurther includes avocado oil, primrose oil, juniper essential oil,grapefruit essential oil, chamomile oil, and lavender essential oil.This antifungal/antimicrobial composition is preferably used as acuticle treatment, although it may be applied to other skin tissues aswell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “weight percent” or “percent by weight” herein refer to thepercent of a particular component in a composition based upon the totalweight of the composition. These terms may be abbreviated as “wt %” or“% wt.” The terms “volume percent” or “percent by volume” herein referto the percent of a particular component in a composition, based uponthe total volume of the composition. These terms may be abbreviated as“v %” or “% v.”

The composition of the invention is nontoxic, comprised only of naturaloils and triclosan. The safety of the cuticle oil is important becauseof the repeated use often necessary with cuticle oils. Additionally, thenontoxicity will be appreciated by consumers concerned about accidentalingestion. Therefore, the composition of the present invention isadvantageous over compositions of the prior art that may contain organicsolvents or acids. In addition, although the preferred method of usingthe composition of the present invention is to treat cuticles, thecomposition can be advantaeously applied to other skin tissues.

Soybean oil is commercially available from Natural Oils International inArletta, Calif., as “Salad Soybean Oil.” Soybean or soy oil is light,readily absorbed by the skin, and rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E. Anysuitable amount of soybean oil is contemplated in this invention. Ingeneral, the amount of soybean oil to be incorporated into thecomposition of the present embodiment of the invention is 25-75% byweight of the total composition. The preferred range of the amount ofsoybean oil to be incorporated into the composition of the presentembodiment of the invention is 40-60% by weight of the totalcomposition.

Rice bran oil (Oryza sativa), which is commercially available fromNatural Oils International, is rich in Vitamin E and readily penetratesthe skin. Any suitable amount of rice bran oil is contemplated in thisinvention. In general, the amount of rice bran oil to be incorporatedinto the composition of the present embodiment of the invention is25-75% by weight of the total composition. The preferred range of theamount of rice bran oil to be incorporated into the composition of thepresent embodiment of the invention is 40-60% by weight of the totalcomposition.

Jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chitensis) is commercially available from PurcellJojoba International as “PNJ Golden Jojoba.” Jojoba oil is a naturalcellular renewal ingredient and a moisturizer. Any suitable amount ofjojoba oil is contemplated in this invention. In general, the amount ofjojoba oil to be incorporated into the composition of the presentembodiment of the invention is 0.1-10% by weight of the totalcomposition. The preferred range of the amount of jojoba oil to beincorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 1-5% by weight of the total composition.

Avocado oil is expeller pressed, refined, bleached, deodorized andwinterized. Such avacodo oil is commercially available from Natural OilInternational. Avocado oil readily penetrates the skin, is rich invitamins and minerals, and conditions and moisturizes the skin. Anysuitable amount of avocado oil is contemplated in the present embodimentof this invention. In general, the amount of avocado oil to beincorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 0.1-10% by weight of the total composition. The preferredrange of the amount of avocado oil to be incorporated into thecomposition of the present embodiment of the invention is 1-5% by weightof the total composition.

Primrose oil is cold pressed. Such primrose oil is commerciallyavailable from Natural Oils International as “Evening Primrose Oil”(Enothera Biennis). Any suitable amount of primrose oil is contemplatedin the present embodiment of the invention. In general, the amount ofprimrose oil to be incorporated into the composition of the presentembodiment of the invention is 0.1-10% by weight of the totalcomposition. The preferred range of the amount of primrose oil to beincorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 1-5% by weight of the total composition.

Juniper oil used in the present embodiment of the invention iscommercially available from Carnazzi Essential Oil Therapy in SantaYnez, Calif., and is sold as “Juniper Berry Wild Himalayan Oil.” Anysuitable amount of juniper oil is contemplated in the present embodimentof the invention. In general, the amount of juniper oil to beincorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 0.01-0.5% by weight of the total composition. The preferredrange of the amount of juniper oil to be incorporated into thecomposition of the present embodiment of the invention is 0.1-0.3% byweight of the total composition.

Lavender oil (Lavendila Officialis) used in the present embodiment ofthe invention is commercially available from Carnazzi Essential OilTherapy under the name “Lavender 40/42.” Lavender Oil promotes healingacting as an antiseptic, analgesic, antibiotic, and bactericide.Lavender oil also reduces scarring and stimulates growth of new cells.Any suitable amount of lavender oil is contemplated in the presentembodiment of the invention. In general, the amount of lavender oil tobe incorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 0.001-0.1% by weight of the total composition. Thepreferred range of the amount of lavender oil to be incorporated intothe composition of the present embodiment of the invention is 0.01-0.5%by weight of the total composition.

Chamomile oil (Oremensis Multicazilis) is commercially available fromCarnazzi Essential Oil Therapy as “Chamomile Maroc.” Any suitable amountof chamomile oil is contemplated in the present embodiment of theinvention. In general, the amount of chamomile oil to be incorporatedinto the composition of the present embodiment of the invention is0.001-0.1% by weight of the total composition. The preferred range ofthe amount of chamomile oil to be incorporated into the composition ofthe present embodiment of the invention is 0.01-0.5% by weight of thetotal composition.

Grapefruit oil used in the present invention is commercially availablefrom Carnazzi Essential Oil Therapy as “Grapefruit White.” Any suitableamount of grapefruit oil is contemplated in the present embodiment ofthe invention. In general, the amount of grapefruit oil to beincorporated into the composition of the present embodiment of theinvention is 0.01-0.5% by weight of the total composition. The preferredrange of the amount of grapefruit oil to be incorporated into thecomposition of the present embodiment of the invention is 0.1-0.3% byweight of the total composition.

The triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl-ether) used in thepresent embodiment of the invention is commercially available from CibaSpecialty Chemicals under the trade name Irgasan DP-300. A sufficientamount of triclosan is used so as to be an effectiveantifungal/antimicrobial agent. In general, the amount of triclosanemployed is in the range of 0.5-5% by weight of the total composition.The preferred range of the amount of triclosan to be incorporated intothe composition of the present embodiment of the invention is 1-3% byweight of the total composition.

EXAMPLE I

In one embodiment of the present invention, the oils andantifungal/antimicrobial agent are mixed together in the quantitieslisted below. Quantity in Percent Quantity in Percent Ounces per ByPounds per by One Gallon Volume One Gallon Weight Soybean Oil 56.3243.49 3.37 43.21 Rice Bran Oil 56.32 43.49 3.37 43.21 Jojoba Oil 5.124.0 0.29 3.69 Avocado Oil 5.12 4.0 0.29 3.69 Primrose Oil 5.12 4.0 0.293.69 Juniper Essential Oil 0.25 0.195 0.014 0.181 Grapefruit EssentialOil 0.165 0.129 0.0091 0.117 Chamomile Oil 0.022 0.018 0.0031 0.017Lavender Essential Oil 0.011 0.009 0.00062 0.008 Triclosan 1.52 1.1860.156 2.00

The composition is prepared by charging first the soybean oil in amixing vessel under low agitation. Then, the remaining above listed oilsare added to the mixing vessel under low agitatation. The triclosan, insolid form, is then added to the agitated oil solution and the mixtureis further agitated until the solid has completely dissolved. Theresulting composition can then be topically applied to the finger andtoe nails of a user. In addition to the preferred method of using thecomposition of the present invention, one skilled in the relevant artwould also recognize that the composition can also be applied to otherskin tissues.

Although specific embodiments of the invention are described herein,they are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the presentinvention. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilledin the art in light of the teachings of this written description. Thescope of the invention is only limited by the claims appended hereto.

1. A composition comprising a mixture of soy oil, rice bran oil, jojobaoil, and an effective amount of an antifungal/antimicrobial agent.
 2. Acomposition of claim 1, further comprising avocado oil.
 3. A compositionof claim 1, further comprising primrose oil.
 4. A composition of claim1, further comprising juniper oil.
 5. A composition of claim 1, furthercomprising grapefruit oil.
 6. A composition of claim 1, furthercomprising chamomile oil.
 7. A composition of claim 1, furthercomprising lavender oil.
 8. A composition of claim 1, wherein saidantifungal/antimicrobial agent is triclosan.
 9. A composition of claim1, wherein said antifungal/antimicrobial agent is present in the rangeof 0.5 to 5 percent by weight of the mixture.
 10. A composition of claim1, wherein said antifungal/antimicrobial agent is present in the rangeof 1 to 3 percent by weight of the mixture.
 11. A composition of claim1, wherein said antifungal/antimicrobial agent is 2.0 percent by weightof the mixture.
 12. A composition of claim 1, wherein said soy oil ispresent in a range of 25-75% by weight of the mixture.
 13. A compositionof claim 1, wherein said soy oil is present in a range of 40-60% byweight of the mixture.
 14. A composition of claim 1, wherein said ricebran oil is present in a range of 25-75% by weight of the mixture.
 15. Acomposition of claim 1, wherein said rice bran oil is present in a rangeof 40-60% by weight of the mixture.
 16. A composition of claim 1,wherein said jojoba oil is present in a range of 0.1-10% by weight ofthe mixture.
 17. A composition of claim 1, wherein said jojoba oil ispresent in a range of 1-5% by weight of the mixture.
 18. A compositionof claim 2, wherein said avocado oil is present in a range of 0.1-10% byweight of the mixture.
 19. A composition of claim 2, wherein saidavocado oil is present in a range of 1-5% by weight of the mixture. 20.A composition of claim 3, wherein said primrose oil is present in arange of 0.1-10% by weight of the mixture.
 21. A composition of claim 3,wherein said primrose oil is present in a range of 1-5% by weight of themixture.
 22. A composition of claim 4, wherein said juniper oil ispresent in a range of 0.01-0.5% by weight of the mixture.
 23. Acomposition of claim 4, wherein said juniper oil is present in a rangeof 0.1-0.3% by weight of the mixture.
 24. A composition of claim 5,wherein said grapefruit oil is present in a range of 0.01-0.5% by weightof the mixture.
 25. A composition of claim 5, wherein said grapefruitoil is present in a range of 0.1-0.3% by weight of the mixture.
 26. Acomposition of claim 6, wherein said chamomile oil is present in a rangeof 0.001-0.1% by weight of the mixture.
 27. A composition of claim 6,wherein said chamomile oil is present in a range of 0.01-0.5% by weightof the mixture.
 28. A composition of claim 7, wherein said lavender oilis present in a range of 0.001-0.1% by weight of the mixture.
 29. Acomposition of claim 7, wherein said lavender oil is present in a rangeof 0.01-0.5% by weight of the mixture.
 30. A method to treat a nailcuticle comprising applying to said cuticle an oil compositioncomprising triclosan.
 31. A method of claim 30, wherein said oilcomposition comprises a mixture of soy oil, rice bran oil, and jojobaoil.
 32. A method of claim 31, wherein said oil composition furthercomprises avocado oil.
 33. A method of claim 31, wherein said oilcomposition further comprises juniper oil.
 34. A method of claim 31,wherein said oil composition further comprises grapefruit oil.
 35. Amethod of claim 31, wherein said oil composition further compriseschamomile oil.
 36. A method of claim 31, wherein said oil compositionfurther comprises lavender oil.